Quick release means for increasing the gap between disks upon entry of uncrushables



BLES

5 Sheets-Sheet 1 E J. A.E1 DR1'DGE UICK RELEASE MEANS FOR INCREASING 'IHE GAP BETWEEN DISKS UPON ENTRY OF UNCRUSHA April 2o, 194s.

Filed sept. s, 1945 Apnl 20, 1948. J. A. ELDRIDGE 2,440,171

QUICK RELEASE MEANS FOR INCREASING THE GAP BETWEEN DISKS UPON ENTRY OFUNCRUSHABLES y Filed Sept. 9, 1943 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 April 20, 1948. J,A, ELDRlDGE 2,440,171

QUICK `RELEASE MEANS FOR INCREASING THE GAP BETWEEN DIsKs UPON ENTRY oFUNCRUSHAELES Filed Sept. 9, 1943 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 pnl 20, 1948. J, A.ELlgaRl-Ejv 2,440,171

I QUICK RELEASE MEANS FOR INCREASING THE GAP BETWEEN DIsKs UPON ENTRY 0FUNCRUSHABLES Filed Sept. 9, 1945 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVENTGR J. A.Eldrdj'e..

nv ms Arrnnzvs April 20, 1948. J. A. ELDRIDGE 2,440,171

QUICK RELEASE MEANS FOR INCREASING THE GAP BETWEEN DISKS UPON ENTRY OFUNCRUSHABLES Filed Sept; 9, 1945 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTOR J. A,Eldrde'.

Patented Apr. 20,1948

UNITED STATES PATENT orifice QUICK RELEASE MEANS FDR INCREASING THE GAPBETWEEN DISKS UPON ENTRY F UNCRUSHABLES James A. Eldridge, st. James,Manitoba, canada Application September 9, 1943, Serial No. 501,734

This application constitutes a continuationin-part of my applicationSerial No. 327,508, filed on the 2nd day of April, 1940, and relates toim- I provements in feed Crushers, an object of my invention being toprovide a device of the character herewithin described, which has beendesigned to meet the many requirements of various classes of user, andis of simplified, rugged and economical construction, having certainunique inventive features hereinafter to be described.

A further object of my invention is to provide a device of the characterherewithin described in which the rotating and endwise movable parts,are mounted coaxially with respect to a non-rotatable supporting shaft,a rotatable crushing plate and screw conveyor being included among theparts mounted upon said shaft, and

being adjustably end-shiftable with the shaft to. vary the space betweenthe said rotating crush ing plate, and an opposed stationary crushingplate.

A further object of my invention is to provide, in a crushing machine,simplified means for providing an adjustable, but normally rigid andunyielding spacial relationship between the two crushing plates so thatthe coarseness or fineness of grind in a given batch may be perfectlyuniform for that batch.

A further object of my invention is to provide in a device of thecharacter herewithin described a unique manually operable andsimultaneously acting combination valve cut-oli and crushing platerelease mechanism.

A further object of my invention is to provide a device of the characterherewithin described which embodies a valve cut-off and crushing platerelease mechanism automatically operated by the entrance of anobstruction between the crushing plates together with the provision of afurther automatically operated gate valve in the outlet leading from thecrushing chamber.

A still further object of my invention is to provide a device of thecharacter herewithin described which includes means for varying thequantity of material precipitated into the base of my hopper andconveyed therefrom into the crushing chamber.

With the above more important objects in view and such other minorobjects as may appear as the specication proceeds, my invention consistsessentially in the arrangement and construction of parts all ashereinafter more particularly described, reference being had to thaccompanying drawings, in which- 11 Claims. (Cl. 24J-32) VFigure 1 is aside elevation of my feed crusher showing certain parts in section andwith certain other parts broken away. Y

Figure 2 is a longitudinal fragmentary representation, predominantlyincross-section, and illustrating my coaxial, shaft-mounted structure.

Figure 3 is a front elevation showing the external appearance of my feedcrusher from this angle. v

Figure 4 is a perspective illustration of 'my valve cut-off and crushingplate release mechanism.Y

Figure 5 is a perspective detail illustrating my crushing plate spacingand setting dial lock.

Figure 6 is a detail in elevation showing the means by which Ilmay `varymicrometrically the opening of my gate valve.

Figure '1 `is a detail in front elevation illustrating a modification ofthe arrangement of Figure 6. e

Figure 8 is a side elevation showin-g means by which my valve cut-offand crushing plate release mechanism may be automatically actuated whenforeign matter enters between the crushing plates.

Figure 9 is a side elevation of my feed crusher showing an alternativemeans by which my valve cut-off and crushing plate release mechanism maybe automatically actuated when foreign matter enters between thecrushing plates.

Figure 10 is a perspective detail illustrating a part of the mechanismemployed in -connection with Figure 9.

Figure 11 is a detail in elevation illustrating the means by which mydischarge outlet may be automatically closed and reset by the operationof my valve cut-off and crushing plate release mechanism.

Figure 12 is a detail illustrating the use of a sleeve or collar inplace of a spring between my setting dial and barrel cam.

Figure 13 is a detail illustrating the useof av the rotating crushingplate D being secured for rotation with the pulley via a crushing plateholder, in horizontal alignment with the stationary crushing plate E,while the Iconveyor 'screw B is bolted to the said plate holder asillustrated most clearly in the accompanying Figure 2, to rotate withthe pulley and the plate D.`

Means are provided' in my invention for posi-4 tively adjusting thespace between the plates D and E and for rigidly and unyieldinglymaintaining the space desired, excepting only when a hard and damagingobstacle -cbmes between.

them, such means consisting of a setting dial 2, which rotates thescrew-threaded stem 3 coaxially positioned within the internallythreaded forward end of the supporting' Shaft I. I

Means are also provided for manuallyand simultaneously effecting theclosing of a hopper valve 4 adjacentl the base of ,my hopperrA andpermitting the 'separationjof the plates D and E to their maziixnumextent inftheever'itof adamaging Vobstruction finding ,its way 'betweenthe crushing4 plates D Aand E, this mechanisnrbeing clearly illustratedin vthe accompanying Figures 1 and ,4,1 from which it will bei, seenthat upon the front wall'S of the' baise casting G'of my hopper is astationary Vcyl'lindrical cam thrust receiving elementi] provided withAan external spiral canjrtrack: Enga'geable with this rheinber isaswivellin'g barrelcainr, held against the track of the ca m 1 by meansof the spring 59 which spring; itshculdv beparticularly noted is of`considerable stiifness such as will vnot yield yto mere increases vinthe volume of material `tending to enter between the plates,v forwhichrea son it will clearly bev recognized that when the plates are seta given `distance apart, no 'variation vin the volume ofraterialentering between them is possible, and consequently a uniform Inthis 'content- I j would therefore egpl'ain jthat the resistanceof thespring 9 shouldbe so adjusted for operation of the Crusher with-enginesof yvarious H. ratings'isuc'h that itwill yield only lunder Astresses`irnposed by 4pressure above that-which the material tobejgrounl exerts-at a given H, ^P. rating. For example 'by rotating handwheel -2 ltoleft orjright on stem 3 and so adjusting the distance betweeit andthecam 8 I may Vset thelspring 9 at Ya resistanne of about 500 lbs. whenused with an engine of Afrom 35 to 4Q H. P. and atl this setting, suchrnere increases of Ipressurebetween the 'plates as night be efiectedbyInasrsesof wetgrain, or different or'hardcr grain, will not-besuicientto separate the plates. y A l The foregoing constitutes asignificant difference over conventional crushers,"` wherein vone plateis positioned in yielding relationship to the other,the pressure at w chexcessivejyiel'ding takes piace, being experimentally determined bythe`user after he has "started theimachine 5in-operation and Icommencedto'grind'. I f for instance he nds that the material being discharged istoo coarse, he exertsmore'pressure 'on-the spring which in turnincreases pressure ono-ne of the plates. Obviously under suchconditions, when the character of thew'fnater'i'al changes, as from wettodry or vice versa, Athe quality ofthegrind will'differ. y y I i ySecured `tothe lbarrel'cari and extending upwardly thereffrcrnfis alever 9" normallyheld in a recess I-Il, in'a'shaped casting -I I.

Extending substantially parallel to the upper portion of the lever 9',is the hopper valve lever I2, upon which are a series of projectionsconstituting a ratcheted rack capable of being engaged by a projectionin the form of a pawl I3 upon the lever The lever I2 is angulated andsuitably secured at its lower end to the hopper valve 4 already referredto land obviously upon kicking the 'lever 9 out of its catch or recessI0, the same will rotate to the right under the swivell'ing action ofthe cam 8, the pawl I3 will leave the :associated rack whereupon thelever I2 will move' lupwardly under the influence of the spring I4,therebyclos'ing the valve 4.

Having now described my invention in its essentials, Iwill proceed todescribe the same in detail.

My supporting structure G comprises a bedplate'I, to one end of which isbolted an upstanding leg It upon the apex o-f which is my main bearingIl, in which the supporting shaft I is mounted. Upon the' `forward endofthe bedpla-t'e is an upstanding wall I8 provided with an enlargedaperture I9 through which the conveyor screw'B and the shaft l extend,the'housing I9 which ltogether with the wall I8 forms my crushingchambergC, being suitably secured at the rear side of the wall I8,.while lon vthe forward side thereof is `positioned the -basecasting 6already referred to, the hopper A, being suitably positioned upon theapex of the base castlng;

At this Apoint I would mention that I may if desired, providera trap 29below the base casting the saine being detachable and suitably clippedthereto as most clearly illustratedin the accompanying Figures '1 and?,in which case no `base -will be provided tothe base-casting 16, thepurposelo'f this trap being to permit-surplus materialor foreign )matterto Aaccumulate therein, from vwhich it may periodically be convenientlyremoved.

I should also mention at this point that an outlet 2I positioned at theangle illustrated in the accompanying Figure 3, is formed integral withthe housing I9 of my crushing chamber, to which if desired, a conduitmay be attached, through which material crushed 4is blown under theinfluence of the fan bladeswhich are attached to therotating crushingplate'later to be described in detail.

The supporting shaft I is mounted inthe element 1, which as hasbeenpreviously mentioned, is set within the front wall 5 of the base casting6, this member being clearly illustrated lin crosses'ection in theaccompanying-Figure 2, from which it will be seen that my shaft isprevented from rotation by the provision of the key 22 but is free -toslide-endw-ise under the conditions to be hereinafter described. Fromthe accompanying Figure l, it will be seen that the'ext'e'rnal surfaceof the element Vtakes the form of a frusto-coriic'al wall 23, aroundwhich is formed a spiralgcam track V2li. l i

yIt ywill lbe seen that the forward end -o'f my supporting shaft I-li'e's -in the aperture 25 which extends throughthe casting 'I and that'the same is internally drilled and tapped fa short 'distance to receivethe externally threaded end ofthe stem j3 already'referredto. A collar26- integral with the stern S is normally held against the shoulder 2T.Keyways Y28'a'nd 29 in the shaft I and the, `element 'I respectively,receive? the key 22A and prevent vrotation of the shaft while peremitting longitudinal movement thereof.

The stem 3 extends forwardly and terminates inthe crushing plate spacingand setting dial 2 already referred to, the setting dial being screwedthe desired distance for anyparticular spring setting as alreadydescribed, onto the projecting end of thenstem/3 and prevented fromindependent movement by means of the split pin 30 which extendstransversely through the boss of the dial and the stem'. In this way thedistance between handwheel 2 and collar 26 is rigidly fixed after whichrotation of the handwheel will necessarily involve rotation o-f stem 3in a iixed plane thus acting to end-shift shaft I. A sleeve 3Iinternally screw-threaded if desired may be placed upon the stem 3 tothe rear of the dial 2 solely for centering the spring 9.

My pulley F which is journalled upon the supporting shaftI, runs onball-bearing assemblies 32 and 33 and by reference to the accompanyingFigures 1 and 12 it will be seen that the inner ball races of theseassemblies are held against a tendency to move to right or left alongthe supporting shaft I, by means of the diametrically split thrustbearing rings 34 which set inside into annular recesses 35 in the shaftprovided for that purpose. The bearing rings 34 are held within therecesses 35 by means of the said inner ball races which it will beclearly seen extend around and act as collars for the recessed parts ofthe rings 34, while the upstanding portions thereof act as annularbuttresses to prevent left or right hand endwise movement. The assembly32 is suitably housed about by a casing 36 which is secured to thepulley F while assembly 33 is 'enclosed by housing I9.

In order to provide satisfactory lubrication for the assemblies 32 and33, I have provided three outwardly projecting intercepters or lpaddles3l, the same being secured to the shaft I, from which it will beapparent that when a quantity of oil is admitted to the hollow center orbath 38 within the pulley through the oil hole 39, the rotation of thepulley will cause a swirling action in the oil body, which coming incontact with the intercepters will cause considerable agitation andsplash, thereby providing particularly satisfactory lubrication.

Attached to the forward end of the pulley F is my rotatable crushingplate holder 40, which will not be described in detail except in respectto one unique feature as a crushing plate holder necessarily forms anintegral part of all crushing machines. This feature resides in theprovision of slots 42, by means of which the fan blades 43 areadjustably held Within the crushing chamber C so that the effectivewidth thereof may be varied to produce an adjustable air blast and itwill be obvious from the illustration of this detail in the accompanyingFigure 1 that these fan blades are secured to the holder 40 by means ofstud-bolts and nuts, adjustment being made after the removal of thehousing I9.

My conveyor screw B is provided with the flange 44 at the rear endthereof through which bolts 45 extend and whereby the conveyor screw issecured to the boss 46 of the crushing plate holder 40, so that the twowill rotate as a unit, the sleeve 41 of the conveyor screw being spacedfrom the shaft to avoid friction as clearly illustrated in Figure 2.

The swivelling cam 8 which is designed to move in a spiral directionagainst the thrust element l, is of the barrel type and I may providethereupon either one'continuous circumscribing spiral cam track 48 oralternatively two or three such tracks as in the preferred embodimentillustrated in the accompanying Figure 1, wherein i have designated thetwo visible peaks Y and Z, peak X being out of sight at'the rear so thatthis member may be considered as a modification of the well-known crownratchet except that it is not in this instance, employed in associationwith a complete ratcheting motion or with any associated pawl, but onthe contrary, is designed to swivel back and forth against the cam track24 of which natu-- rally there will bea corresponding number ofcorresponding gradients, but it will not override the track 24 as acrown ratchet would in its conventional operation.

Secured to an outstanding projection 49 upon the wall of the cam 8, isthe angulated and upwardly extending cam lever 9' already referred to,the same extending through the catch IIJ of the casting or plate II,which is of the configuration clearly illustrated in the accompanyingFigure 4. .To the right hand side of the catch I0 is a lead-in track 50(which may also function as a cam track as described hereinafter) tofacilitate the manual operation of moving the lever into the catch, thislever being preferably formed of spring steel for this purpose.

To the left of and slightly below the catch or recess I0, is arectangular slot 5I through which my valve lever I2 extends, the samebeing angulated to the configuration clearly illustrated in theaccompanying Figures 1 and 4, and from these gres also it will be notedthat a ratcheted rack 52 is positioned along one side of this lever withthe ratchet teeth projecting slightly and capable of being engaged bythe pawl I3 upon thev cam lever 9. The spring I4 already referred to, issecured at its upper end preferably by means of the bolts which hold thecasting II in position while the lower end is suitably secured to thevalve lever at a point below the rack 52 and during the operation of themachine or at timesV when the ratchets are engaged by the pawl, thisspring will be in tension.

A link 53 is freely secured at the end of the angulated portion 54 ofthe valve lever, this vlink extending through an aperture at the topleft hand corner of the side wall 55 of the base casting 6, andthereacross. To this member is secured a gate valve 56 designed to moveunder the influence of the link 53 and the associated lever through anare to admit or cut-off the iiow of material to be crushed -between theconical portion ofthe hopper A and the base casting 6, in which theconveyor is located. i

In operation, it will be perceived that the rotat-` ing and stationaryplates D and E having -beeni set or spaced the desired distance apart inthet manner to be presently described, it is ,possible in:V an emergencyto bring about separation of the rotating plate from the stationaryplate to a predetermined maximum distance and simultaneously to closethe gate valve 55 in the event of a, damaging obstruction finding itsway between the crushing plates D and E. This is accomplished by theoperator kicking or .throwing the cam lever 9 upwardly so that itdisengages the catch IB'.- whereupon it will swing to the right togetherwith the swivelling cam 8 and as it swings of course, the cam willtravelto the left with respect to the accompanying Figure 1, against the camtrack 24.

The entire supporting shaft and the continuation thereof in the form ofthe screw-threaded stem 3, is now free to move to the left together withthe conveyor screw B, the driving pulley F and of course, the attachedcrushing plate holder and rotating crushing plate D. The crusher cancollar 66, and atthe extreme lower end thereof with a retaining nut 66'through which a split lock pin extends, so that the shaft 6I is free torotate in the lug 64 without moving endwise therein.

Upon the cam lever 9' is an offset block 61, the lower surface of whichis designed to engage with the perimeter of the sieeve 65 and from theforegoing arrangement it will be apparent that when my valve cut-ofi'and crushing plate release mechanism is in the set position, rotation ofthe thumb screw 62 will have the effect of shifting the valve lever I2endwise upwardly or downwardly, thereby varying to any exact extentdesired, the gate 56 and consequently, the aperture leading from thehopper to the crushing chamber.

In the foregoing arrangement as illustrated in Figure 6, it Will beapparent that in the resetting operation, it is necessary rst to depressthe valve lever I2 so that the sleeve 65 is below the level of the block61 before throwing the cam lever 9' to the left and into its retainingcatch and before releasing the said valve lever but obviously by theprovision of a block Ii'i' having the bevelled surface illustrated inFigure 7, it is possible to throw over the cam lever 9' into its catchbefore depressing `the valve lever I2 since the sleeve may now ridedownwardly against 61' without interception thereby, space beingprovided in this instance for the necessary sideways movement of thevalve lever, although a moments consideration of Figure 7 will revealthat iiexure either of shaft 9' or I2 or both would allow sleeve B5 toride downwardly upon application of a downward effort on the upper endof shaft I2, Via the bevelled surface of block E'I' and engage with theunderedge thereof even if no allowance for sideways movement werepermitted by slot I.

From all the foregoing, it will be recognized that I have produced acrusher wherein separating movement of the rotating plate from thestationary plate may be effected, to all intents and purposesinstantaneously and with-out any muscular effort whatever worth speakingof such as would be necessary for instance in throwing a lever toseparate a plate against resistance of a spring. The snap actionemployed for the separation of my crusher is a much more pleasing andmechanically satisfactory action than is the action of manually pulling,pushing -or rotating a lever or wheel for instance, through a givendistance and which takes appreciable time to accomplishv in any event.Under such conditions as the existence of a damaging obstruction betweena pair of crushing plates, the operator naturally desires above allthings to be able to act expeditiously and feel that he is doing so, andthis is possible in a most gratifying way in the case of the presentinvention, the plates of which a child can operate every bit assatisfactorily as an adult immediately the harsh noise of a damagingobstruction between the plates is heard. In such case it will berecognized that the lever 9' can equally well be kicked out of the catchwith the knee or the foot if forl instance when the operators hands arefull.

To conclude this description of the main structure, I desire to explainthat the pitch angle of either the 'spiral surfaces 24 or 48 orpreferably both, should be greater than the angle of static frictionwhich supervenes at the minimum I-I. P. likely to be employed. `With anengine of 35-40 I-I. P. the minimum pitch angle should be approximately14 from the plane of rotation when made out of cast iron. In thiscontext however I wish it to be particularly understood that I do notcon- 10 sider myself bound by the abovestated pitch angle, since it isto be noted that with a lesser pitch angle my lever 9' could still bemanually thrown to the right after release from catch I0, and in thelatter case by its inherent resiliency and tendency to spring in thedirection indicated by arrow 68 (Figure 1) after being forced out of thesaid catch, and which resiliency would cause it to press against and soride clockwise (when viewed from the right hand end of the crusher)against the curved lip 50 (Figure 4), especially if made somewhatsteeper than shown and lubricated.

In the accompanying Figure 8, I have provided means whereby my valvecut-off and crushing plate release mechanism may be caused to operateautomatically upon the accident-al introduction of a Vhard piece offoreign matter between the crushing plates, the same comprisingv anoffset arm 69, which may be positioned at any convenient point upon thecoll-ar 3| either directly or freely upon a ring as illustrated, ahorizontal push-rod 'I0 being secured in this member for end-shiftablemovement in the direction of the arrow to operate a small pivoted plate'I0' of the configuration clearly illustrated, this plate being designedto move in the arc shown by the adjacent arrow about the stud II whichis secured in an outwardly projecting plate 'I2 secured to the wall 5and it will be understood that the rear end of .the rod 'I0 pushesagainst the vertical face of the plate 'I0' to actuate the same in thedirection of the adjacent arrow.

When so actuated, the link I3 will travel downwardly as it is to beunderstood that the lower end of this Vmember is secured tothe plate 1Dat the point illustrated, there being a substantially similar plate 14at the upper end ofthe link 'I3 and pivotally mounted in or beneath thecasting Il and just in front of the catch Iii in which the cam lever 9'resides in the "set position. vIf desired, the auxiliary trigger I4 maybe added as this is a somewhat more convenient means for operating thewhole associated mechan'- ismA than the cam lever 9.

` It is to be understood that the plate 14 is designed to travelin thedirection of the adjacent arrow when the link 13 is drawn downwardly andwhen this occurs, the corner I5 of the plate IIIv bears against `thelever 9' to disengage the same from its catch, whereupon it swings tothe right in the manner already described in detail, to release theadjacent valve lever I2 and throw the rotatable crushing plate away fromthe stationary crushing plate by the full predetermined distance and itis to be understood that the foregoing movement takes place when a hardpiece of foreign matter enters between Athe grinding surfaces of thecrushing plates, thereby forcing them apart to a slight extent, whichforcing action is felt bythe stem 3 and naturally the assocated collar3|, and hence the offset arm 69 all of which move to the left withrespect to the accompanying Figure 8.

FinallyinV connection with this detail, I would explain that the pushrod 10 is freely held medially of' its length by means of the tie block15 which is provided with a horizontal aperture therefor anda squarevertical aperture for the cam lever 9', the arrangement being that therod is free to end-shift through its aperture in the tie block but isswung around with the cam lever taking the arm E8 with it when therelease mechanism illustrated in the accompanying Figure 5 is tripped asexplained. Following the leftward kick .by rod 70 whichactuates plate.10 .as aforesaid, `the resulting .rotationof lever .9 .carriesparts @9,to 1.0Land15 Iaround ,with it, sc.,.that therod .'lil. becomesdisengaged 4from ,p1ateJil", which vlatter rotates in a iixed`vertical''plantas already explained, heine secured .to ,the .hopperbase.

YIn .the -accomnanyinefhiguresi9 and 10.1. have illustrated analternative meanswherebymy .hoppervalve cut-off andcrusliing.plate-releasezrnech1 aniemmay be caused tooperateautomatically upon the. accidental ir,rtrodimtiornv of. ahard.piece of foreign matter between the crushing plates, the same lbeine;in v.certain .respectspreferable -to the embodiment ofiFigureB, 'asmore. positive, .has heater appearance and .less liable v.todamage `inthe .wear'and `tear-of the :heavy use to which machines of thischaractenareplaced,

This embodiment ,calls `for `the `.use of :afblock 82 extending .fromvwhich is -aftrigger'similar to the trigger 14 and to ywhichaccordinglylhave assigned this numeralvin the accompanying Figures .9and 1.0, :thehlockitself, however.. being of somewhat altered form.as.comparedr-With. the block 14. and tunctioningas .alevernf theflrstclass to actuateuthe cam-leverf.

It. `will .be seen that the. block .82 .is fpivotally mounted as. at 83in thee casting ...andgis .provided with an upwardly 4projecting.abutment'l while freely Iattached .zto the ilowercorner 85.* is a :rod.8S` extending ldiagonally fthrough l.the 'hopper and terminating iny'the bellaerank-action Plate l81, which is pivoted in thebearing'platesfprojectnsupwardly from the main bearing J1.

The nose .89 of .the .plate ..81 terminates -in .a screwdhreadedcollar.9.0, through Whichextends aset screw 9|, ,theend of .which 'bearsagainst the shaft I and .from the :foregoing-.description it .willbeapparent that. uponfforeible separation of-.the crushing-platesduetofadamagng obstruction, thc-shaft I. willmove tothetleft with xrespectto the accompanying. Figure @dior-reasons already .adequately `describedand. `i,n...do.ing ...50. will. cause-.the plate .8.1 lto .rotate faboutyits .pivot point in a clockwise directioneslirldicatedby the arrow S2',thus shifting lthe. hodllnthe directionof .the arrow .9.3, .which in.turn wilhrotate the block 8-2 about. the lpivot :point counterclockwisein the.d reci.ion..olv the...ar'1`,0W .94-

This vaction obviously .will compelthe labutment' a4 to. forcethe`carri.lever 9' out of .its recess. 10,.

whereupon-.the same ,willswlng ,with .the barrel cam inthe `manneralreadyadeduately described and oi oourse, atthesarne `t1 r ne,.thevalvelever I2 wiilhefreleased andthe.gatelitopr-eventiurthermaterial fromgravtating ldownwardlyinto the loaseof'myhopper.l

In the aocomloanyingEienre .111 have illustratedfa simpliedmethod.whereby thedisoharee of `material .from .the .crushing chamber .throughthe outlet. 2.1 maybeshutoifin theeyent, ol the crushing plates beingaccidentally .separated through the .introductlonof .a 4.piece offoreign matter therebetween, with .th.e.conseguentin ability of .thecrushing plates. to continue .a thomughA grinding action. -ln this...connection it will be understood that.Y when .a .particularly ne grindis. reouiredeveri a Small. quantity -of imperfectly ground.materialdischaraed into the mass of ground material, .would necessitatethe sifting oi the whole with. .consequent expense and loss .of .timeinvolved'. For this reason, it is necessary to provide means whereby anymaterial. remaining in the crushing-chamber .at .any 'time that theplates. 4are rorcibly separated as. .above 12 mentioned, .shall be.prevented from ...being conveyed-by .the fanning vaction ywithin 4thechamber upwardly into the ground. mass.

From the. accompanying-Figure l1 therefore it will be seen that Iprovide a gate valve 76 which Yis k hinged .atthe .location illustratedand is de- Signed to .cover the `passageway through whichthevgroundmaterial travels, this Valve being provided .at thepoint at.which it is hinged with an .elongated rod .-11, angulated downwards atthe yend -18 and it is .to beunderstoodthat the downwardangulation isinthe .vertical plane of theoutstanding,projection d to .which thecamlever 9 .isasecurei -so that the rod .'l! .actually is.QLsubStantiaIlengthas it. has to extend from the outlet .21, .which-is.in the plane of the crushing-.chamber -.|.9..to .thev member .49,.forwhich reason an .intermediate 4supporting bracket 9 is provided,.these-me heingmountedupon the side wall. ofthefhopper base.

Toprovide for actuation o the rod 'V-and the gate valve 7.6,.lprovidelatripi which extends outwardly fromV theV root ofv the camlever il', the same-.being provided with adorned end which engages withthe :down-turned .portion i8 and fromthis arrangement, .it is obviousthat lwhen the `cam ylever 9' `.travels in the direction ofthe adjacentarrow as l.already .described in detail, the `trip 8| 4will rise yandobviously, .will .permit theA gate `valve .16 .to drop.

Obviously, thegate `valve .1.6. lwill not ldrop to theclosed-v positioninstantaneouslyin .view of thev blastotair impingingthereagainst,.Itwill drop, howevehfto,anextentsuicient todeiiect the remainingpartially crushed .contents ofthe crushing .chamber outwardly anddownwardly through the .aperture 82 -so `that -the same willnot mixwiththe thoroughly .grou-nd massand it -will be understood of course,that .I use the word remaining..,advisedly because in the meantime thevalve .5.6 has closed .fasalrefady .described-so .that there is only.atlimited quantity. of material to .be discharged .from the crushingchamber.

.Einally it-.shouldbenotedthatastop 83 which may .be in l.the Vformel? a.transverse projecting strip,..eXtends..facross .the oor of the .outlet2l against .whiohwdoor 1G .isf-intendedto rest atan incline..when-close'd, thisstop yalso Vassisting to preventv4 the-.rettilineismall amounts of material dischargedfaf-tcr thccrushing A.plateshave.been separated. 1

Since.. manymodications can vbe made in the invention .herein described.and since the .accompanying .drawings have .been prepared only toillustrate Ithe relative .arrangement .and 4interaction` of Z parts andnot with regardfto accuracy of idimensions :for manufacturingy purposesVwhich in View ofwthis disclosure .I consider .to entail merelymechanical skill together .with the skill of ,the mechanical.draitsman,. and sincey many apparently .widely diierent embodiments ofthis f invention may .bemade Within the .scope of the acoompanyingclaimswithout departing from the spirit andLscope. ofthe same itisintendedthatall matter-.contained in the accompanying specin- 621121011 Shall be.interpreted .as illustrative only andriotina.limltingsenseand Idesireonlysuch limitations. placed .thereon as justice dictates.

Whatl claim asmy Vinvention is.:

l. yA material .crusherlcomprising in. .combination, asupportingstructure' a hopper, a, crushing chamber, .crushing platestherewithin, .anonrotatablq end-.s hiftalole shaft, a .drivingmechanisni .for actuating. at leastone of .said crushing plates, theplate. l.actuated lthereby being heid against independent linearmovement on said shaft and acting to end-shift the same when separatedfrom the other plate by a damaging obstruction, said driving mechanismalso being mounted for rotationrupon said shaft, crushing plateseparating mechanism comprising in combination, a stationary cam thrustreceiving element provided with a spiral face, a swivelling thrust camdesigned under normal conditions releasably to hold said shaft againstend-shifting and the plate thereon against separation from the opposingplate, said cam and said element being mounted co-axially with respectto said shaft, vreleasable means for holding a predetermined area ofsaid swivelling cam in bearing contact with said stationary element inthe operable position of said crushing plates, the release of said meansallowing said swivelling cam to move ina spiral direction against theface of said element to permit end-shifting of said shaft and separationof said plates.

2. A material crusher comprising in combination, a supporting structure,a hopper, a crushing chamber, a pair of crushing plates therein, anend-shiftable shaft, one of said crushing plates being mounted forrotation on said shaft but being held against independent linearmovement thereon so as to end-shift said shaft when -a damagingobstruction enters between the plates, separating the same; automaticcrushing plate quick releasing mechanism actuable upon the introductionof a damaging obstruction between said plates and upon the consequentseparation thereof, including a swivelling thrust cam, designed tomaintain said crushing' plates in releasable spaced relation, a leverprojecting from said cam, a lock for said lever and means operable uponthe initial end-shifting of 'said shaft to unlock said lever and permitrotation of said cam to allow the further end-shifting of said shaft toa predetermined maximum extent and the separation of the plate thereonfrom the other plate also to a predetermined maximum extent.

3. A material crusher comprising in combination, a supporting structure,a hopper, a crushing chamber, a pair of crushing plates therein, asupporting shaft, automatic crushing plate quick releasing mechanismactuable upon the introduction of a damaging obstruction between saidplates and upon the consequent separation thereof, including aswivelling thrust cam, designed to maintain said crushing plates inreleasable spaced relation, a lever thereon, a lock for said lever,means for unlocking said lever operable upon the initial separatingmovement of one of said plates from the other under the influence of anobstruction entering therebetween, the unlocking of said lever by saidmeans permitting the rotation of said cam and thereby allowing thefurther separation of said plates to a predetermined maximum extent.

4. A material crusher comprising in combination, a supporting structure,a hopper, a crushing chamber, a pair of crushing plates therein, anon-rotatable sharft, at least one of said plates being mounted forrotation on said shaft; a crushing plate releasing mechanism, comprisingin combination with the foregoing, a stationary cam thrust receivingelement, a swivelling barreltype thrust cam having a spiral cam face,releasable means for holding a predetermined area of said cam face inbearing contact with said cam thrust receiving element in the operableposition of said crushing plate, the release of said means allowing saidswivelling cam to move in a spiral direction against the face of saidelement to'permit the separation of said plates. t

5. In a material crusher and in association with a crushing platereleasing means, a cam lever secured thereto, a lock for said lever, ahopper valve, a hopper valve closing mechanism in association with saidlever, said hopper valve closing mechanism comprising a valve lever, aprojection on said valve lever and a projection on said first mentionedlever, said projections being in mutually intercepting contact in theopen position of said hopper valve but out of contact when closed andspring means operably connected to said valve lever to compel actuationthereof and the consequent closing of said hopper valve upon theunlocking and consequent release of said first mentioned lever.

6. In a material crusher a non-rotatable endshiftable shaft, a pair ofopposed crushing plates, one of said plates being co-axial with saidshaft, one of said plates being also shiftable with and by said shaft,said shaft being provided with an internally screw-threaded drilling inone end thereof, a rotatable, externally screw-threaded stem extendinginto said drilling adustably to end-shift said shaft and thereby adjustthe proximity of one of said crushing plates with respect to theopposing one, and means for holding 'said stem against linear movementduring the operation of adjustably end-shifting said shaft as aforesaid.

7. In a material crusher, a non-rotatable, endshiftable shaft, a pair ofopposed crushing plates, means for driving one of said plates, one ofsaid plates being shiftable with and by said shaft, a swivelling thrustcam mounted co-axially with respect to said shaft, a stationary camthrust receiving element, locking means for holding said cam inengagement with said element at least in the operative position of saidshaft, an internally threaded drilling in the end of said shaft, anexternally screw-threaded stem engageable with the thread in saiddrilling, said stem being rotatable to end-shift said shaft and therebyadjust the proximity of one of said crushing plates with respect to theopposing one, means for holding said stem against linear movement duringthe operation of adjustably endshifting said shaft as aforesaid andmeans for unlocking said cam locking means to permit rotation thereofand consequent independent endshifting of said shaft and the spacing ofthe plate shiftable therewith and thereby as aforesaid from saidopposing plate when a damaging obstruction enters therebetween.

8. A material crusher comprising in combination, a supporting structure,a hopper, a crushing chamber, a pair of crushing plates within saidchamber of which at least one is rotatable, means for driving at leastone of said plates, an end-shiftable, non-rotatable supporting shaft,means for permitting movement of one of said crushing plates with saidshaft to vary the distance between the same and the other crushingplate, a screw-threaded extension on the endis setti-ngV diall against.rotation, :said y-lncliing device 'comprising in rzombination withuaplurality nf spacedy recesses-upon the 'perimeter :of :said dial, asprung bolt in light bearing engagementfwith said perimeter andmeansdesigned toerigage said bolt, andv hold, fthe-same `in'engagementwithIany desired fone -of said recesses.

10. In association -With thefdeviee Iasf clenedin claim 8.,Vasetting:dialeupon-orsiefend of saidfscrewthreaded ..7sirem, .a lockingdevice 7for holding; said setting vdial against rotation, .said 'locking.de--

vice-comprising in combination with .a plurality ofr .spaced recessesupon :the perimeter :of lsaid dialfa sprung bolt in lighty bearingengagement with said Yperimeter and. fmeans designed to 'engagesaid holtand Aholdatlre same in engagement with 'any :desiredone oi saidrecesses.

11. .-Inwaomaterial Crusher having-an end-'shiftable supporting shaftvand a crushing plate mounted -thereon =for movement along Aits axis rofrotationtherewith, -means including a lever actuable 'while fsaidVvCrusher :is running `and vlock therefor for :securing said shaftagainst endshiftingand :said iplate aga-inst yielding during normaloperation-with respectwto an "opposing plate, said-meansalsofincludingatleast one cam elementi and `a cam vcontacting i elem-ent, said leverbeing -seeuredfto .one offsaid' relements, said cam element beinginclined in excess of the angle of `static friction to: facilitatemovement of esaid lever following its release from :saidloek without theapplication -o further effort, .and qonsegaent separation ,of said shaft:mounted @late from iad opposing :plate a predetermined maxi-mumdistance.

JAMES A. -I'DGE REFERENCES CITED The following references are Jof.record in the iile of. this :patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name iDate 353,710 Raymond Dec. 17, '1886`"679,775 Pank Aug. f6, 11901 854,861 -Winchell fMay 28, '190,7:1,011,243 :Pritchard Dec. l2, 51911 1,037,951 McCulloch Sept. `,19,V1912 1,081,622 `Moore Dec. 16, 1913 .1,223,497 Letz Apr. l24,19171,570,456 Bryant an. `19, 19,26 2,004,704 `Martin June T15, 19352,064;666 Krushel Dec. 115, 1936 2,249,648 'Fehr July 51'5, 19,41'2,272,908 'Dick Feb. 10, 11942 2,273,868 Johnston May.1,11939 FOREIGNPATENTS Number rCountry lflDate 'witzerland Nov. 117, 1.3.17

